FT NEWS

Fashion has been forced to address its impact on the planet, with major brands including Gucci, Burberry and Prada all making key commitments to go carbon neutral in 2019. But for a whole new generation of designers, working sustainably is already second nature. 

From Collina Strada and Eckhaus Latta in New York, to Bethany Williams, Richard Malone and Phoebe English in London, we’ve seen a surge of eco-minded designers rising through the ranks, promoting repurposing, transparency, traceability and craftsmanship in their work. 

1. Priya Ahluwalia

Since graduating from the University of Westminster’s MA programme in 2018, Priya Ahluwalia—a joint winner of this year’s LVMH Prize—has quickly become one to watch. The British menswear designer, whose mother is Indian and father is Nigerian, fuses together sportswear-inspired designs with tailoring, all created using repurposed vintage pieces and deadstock. She unveiled her SS21 collection during London Fashion Week. 

2. Sindiso Khumalo 

Known for her signature prairie dresses, Sindiso Khumalo promotes craftsmanship through her eponymous brand launched in 2014, working closely with a group of female handweavers in Burkina Faso, West Africa. The Cape Town-based designer and Central Saint Martins alum, a joint winner of this year’s LVMH Prize, is showing her latest collection via a film at Milan Fashion Week. 

3. Kévin Germanier 

After graduating from Central Saint Martins, Paris-based designer Kévin Germanier launched his brand Germanier in 2018, creating glamorous party wear from recycled sequins and beading. Since then, he’s gone on to dress Tracee Ellis Ross and Kristen Stewart for the red carpet, while also counting Taylor Swift and Björk among his fans. This season, he’s showing his SS21 collection digitally during Paris Fashion Week.